Petition for Exemption 14 CFR 11.81

June 16, 2015

Luiz Leonetti

24 Nevada Ave

Asheville, NC 28806

828-575-4428

luiz@luizleonetti.com

Specific Exemption Sections 

1.45.23(b)-

2.61.113(a) & (b);

3.91.7(a)-

4.91.9(b)(2)-

5.91.119-

6.91.121-

7.91.151(a)-

8.91.203(a) & (b)-

9.91.405(a)(1)-

10.91.407(a)(1)191.409(a)(2)-

11.91.417(a) & (b)- of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations 

Relief Sought:

The extent of relief sought here would allow for the operation of an unmanned aerial 

system (UAS) in the state of North Carolina in applications primarily related to real estate 

videography and cinematography.

Additional relief is requested to allow for the use of UAS videography and 

cinematography to benefit of the community by promoting community activities, 

highlighting local business development, and identifying new areas of the city that are 

prime for rejuvenation.

The exemptions requested in this petition would allow for Luiz Leonetti to operation the 

IRIS+ or similar quad-copter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to conduct aerial 

videography and photography to enhance western North Carolina, more particularly the 

Asheville, North Carolina through the applications mentioned above.

Community Benefits:

In recent years Asheville has been recognized as a “Top Ten” destination for tourism, 

retirement, and development potential, among others. While this is high praise, it have 

unfortunately lowered the average month wage and increased the cost of living. 

Allowing an entrepreneurial endeavor such as aerial photography into the real estate 
market will enable current residents to receive top dollar for their homes, providing 

families the ability to grow; and will allow those moving to the area to have a “birds-eye” 

perspective of potential neighborhoods to ensure that their new home meets their family’s 

needs, whether that is community involvement or proximity to a child’s school.

In addition to individual real estate transactions, Asheville has quickly evolved into a 

popular tourist destination with a thriving outdoor industry and many attractions with a 

focus on family friendly activities. The ability to capture footage highlighting all that 

Asheville has to offer will not only benefit the real estate market, but also the local 

businesses trying secure a foothold in this very competitive market. It will also allow the 

public to gain a new perspective on their community and the beauty of western North 

Carolina. The use of UAS videography will heighten community awareness and 

development opportunities and be a priceless marketing tool for Asheville as a whole.

Granting this exemption will give individuals and business owners access to possibilities 

they would have never been able to afford in the past due to the significant cost of

operating a helicopter, airplane or bucket truck. The small size, low operating cost, and 

lack of combustible fuel are additional factors that show the IRIS+ or similar will benefit 

the community while posing no threat to the public, and in fact minimize the ecological 

repercussions associated with traditional aerial photography. 

Requested exemptions would not adversely affect safety:

The petitioner is currently an avid UAS hobbyist and has logged 500+ hours of UAS 

flight time over the past two years in compliance with all of the current FAA rules and 

regulations governing UAS flights. While the petitioner has a flawless safety record, the 

petitioner recognizes the possibility of mechanical failure and intends to maintain a safe 

flight distance from any person(s) and to clearly identify that a flight is being conducted 

in the area. The vast majority of flights will be conducted over unoccupied real estate or 

sparsely populated mountain landscape. The petitioner also affirms and agrees to comply 

with any and all rules and regulations provided by the FAA at the completion of the 

approval process.

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Please see attached UAS flight log: